Ascendant
Signs
| At the moment of birth for each and everyone of us, and according to where on the planet we are born, there is a sign on the eastern horizon. This is called the rising sign, or Ascendant. If I were to say you had Libra rising, this is to say that for the time and geological position of your birth, Libra was on the eastern horizon - it is your Ascendant, or rising sign. There are 360 degrees in a circle and 12 traditional signs of the Zodiac and so each Sign is given 30 degrees of arc in the celestial circle. The degree of rising is used to determine many other factors of a birth chart and can only be determined when the EXACT moment of birth is recorded. A minute either way can make considerable difference in the personality and development of the new born soul. The Ascendant is the window we have on the world. It is how we approach life, it determines much of our appearance and personal attitudes to life; it is where we meet life head-on. We each have our own way of looking at life. I t determines our very own selective perception. We are tuned to see things a certain way - it is how we focus on what we feel is important and very personal to us. A sort of conditioning that we experience during early childhood to establish given behavioural patterns. It is akin to an internal radio tuned in to certain frequencies. For those frequencies, our attention is focused near to 100% of the time, for those events, those other 'frequencies', our attention is less than 10% perhaps. Let us imagine that we see another person. This person in the reality of others and for themself is perceived as 'good' for 90% of the time. Yet we are not tuned into this - we selectively see the other 10% - and we 'see' this 90% of the time. It does not take long for this mild-mannered person to soon become the ogre we perceive them to be! It is our own inner attitude and selective perception which makes us see the world the way we want to see it, and it may not actually be what is really happening at all! Someone once said, life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. This is so very true where the Ascendant Sign is concerned. Over a period of time, with maturity, we 'grow' into our true selves, our Sun sign and all the rest of the dynamics of the chart that makes us a whole person - we are greater than the sum of our parts. If you are uncertain of your Ascendant Sign please send an email request containing your name, date, time and place of birth (city AND country please). I will email you the name of your Rising Sign. You will then be able to return to this site and read further about yourself - I will also give you all the astro data you will need to get the maximum enjoyment from this site as it slowly grows.
Those of you who follow your "stars" in the magazines and newspapers - more often than not, the horoscopes are based upon the rising sign - so if you are a Libran AND have Libra rising, then the horoscope may be loosely ascribed to you. Try looking at the horoscope for your rising rather than your birth sign to see if it fits. These are only generalisations of course, and a full examination of your birth chart would reveal so much more. For now, we shall look at what each Ascendant sign may mean to you. |
| ARIES | ME ME ME!!! Me first! Impulsive and decisive Aries loves to drive and push forward. Life for this person is viewed as a challenge, as an adventure. If denied expression, then one can expect illness and/or angry outbursts around the corner! This energy is very much an outgoing one and needs freedom to explore and express. There is usually an innate aggressiveness which can even be noticed in speech - "Tell me about it!" becomes a demand for information rather than a request to know more... Many Arians (rising sign) have a typical long triangular shaped face. The eyes, as for most fire signs are deeply set with the brow close to the eyes. The hair is often coarse, wiry and dark. Men may have a thick head of hair when young but some do have a tendency for baldness in later years. Women tend to wear their hair long and straight - no 'frills' for them! As can be expected with the God of War, there can be quite a martial feel about those with Aries rising. Aries is a fire sign and ruled by Mars. The house position of Mars and aspects to Mars will determine more of the personal personality traits for this person, as will birth chart aspects of other planets to the Ascendant. The mythology of Mars/Ares is of particular relevance to those with this rising sign. (A full page devoted to the mythology of the "rulers" is planned - please watch this space or email me to go on to mailing list for site updates).
You are young at heart and very enthusiastic in the way you handle life's challenges. You like to tackle things head-on, and impulsively cast yourself into the fray. You probably have to struggle with a considerable temperament, but basically you are innocent and naive with very few bad intentions. You have a direct and honest style. You do not like anyone tampering with your freedom or telling you what to do. This means that you are attracted to the kind of partner who is willing to go along with your point of view, and follow your lead in most matters. In a sense you are egocentric, because you give your own goals first priority. Nevertheless it is important for you to stand out amongst others as an individual, and to be a pioneer in one way or the other. Partnership will mellow you, and you may be able to learn the spirit of compromise as you get older. |
| TAURUS | Here, life is looked at slowly and steadily; each step is planned and carefully worked towards its fulfillment. Those with this rising sign have a tendency to hold onto things rather longer than is necessary, and avoid change because of the extra effort involved in building something up again from scratch. Taurus rising needs to learn when it is necessary to hold on and when to let go. As with all earth signs, there is a need for physical sensation - Taureans are remarkably sensual in this area, and delight in the earthy and material side of life. They enjoy the results of their efforts in all things, but have to beware of becoming a slave to their instincts. Ruled by Venus, expect a fair share of Earthy Venusian types with this rising sign! Sweet but determined, particularly in the early degrees of this sign rising, have bow mouths, dimples and a very warm charm. The Venusian trait is small features, but the nose is not always straight, and the cheekbones prominent but away to the side of the face; rounded cheeks and chin - three neatly spaced mounds framing a typically sweet Venusian smile. Taurus rising also sports its fair share of stockily built types with much weight centred around the shoulder and chest area.
You have a soft and gentle nature and tend to exude a natural calm and grace. You give the relaxed impression that you have things under control. As a peace-loving person you are not happy with disturbances or confrontations in your everyday life, and you often follow the path of least resistance for the sake of comfort and harmony. Nevertheless you can be of considerable support to others, precisely because you have so many personal resources and a relaxed view of life. If there is one thing that makes you unhappy, it is financial insecurity, so you are strongly motivated to have an economically comfortable existence. You are also very sensitive to anything which undermines your self-worth. During the course of your life you will slowly but surely develop a greater sense of inner security. In intimate relationships your placid manner and refusal to confront hidden problems may force your partner to confront you from time to time with unpleasant truths about yourself. You gain more balance in relationships when you develop greater psychological insight. |
| GEMINI | Inquisitive and curious, this rising sign loves to find out how things and people work. Often a jack of all trades, Gemini rising does not like to commit themselves to one thing, one task or, sometimes, one person, for then they lose an alternative - being committed to just one thing means they exclude so many others! Ruled by Mercury and also an air sign, Geminians love to communicate and exchange ideas - they love to distribute information. They get a sense of who they are from being in contact with others. Very mobile are these natives of Mercury - long limbs, fingers often tapering, and a light footed gait. When they speak, their whole body "speaks" or complements their words, somehow - watch how their hands move or the way they shrug and lift an eyebrow with consummate ease to emphasise a point. Gemini rising will talk about anything at all - even the most intimate details of who they are, but they do not naturally express their feelings. There are two basic types of Gemini rising face - one is longish, oval with convex (outwardly curved) with long nose and a long agile neck. The other is more bird-like with small eyes, a turned up nose and upper lip. Mercury ruled men have a tendency for moustaches rather than beards.
Your nature is infused with a youthful curiosity and a restless desire to be stimulated mentally and socially. Mental development is alpha and omega for you, and meetings, discussions, books and learning are the stuff of life. You are constantly active and spread yourself very thin, tending to have a superficial knowledge of a vast array of things, and a finger in many pies. Other people will challenge you to show greater depth and thoughtfulness in your attitude to things instead of just skating over the surface. Brothers and sisters may play an important role, both in your development as a child and later on in life. Your school years will have a profound effect on you, and set the trend for an interest in education later in life. Because you like to be on the move, transport is as essential to you as the air you breathe.
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| CANCER | Aptly named the sign of the crab, these natives are emotionally so vulnerable and often find them self so exposed that they generally learn quickly how to develop that protective outer shell they carry around with them. There tendency to be very aware of their feelings and sensitive too, it goes to explain their sideways approach to life - in order to be non-confrontational. And then their are its claws! Cancer rising is very possessive and does not easily let go what it gets its claws into! They cling to their feelings so hard and do not let go until a stronger feeling takes over. Rationale goes out the window here - whilst explana tions may be ok to air signs, they do not hold water with Cancer rising. Very sensitive and feeling are these sons and daughters of the Moon - and very much in tune with cycles of nature. Switching between observe and respond mode, Cancer rising is an emotional sponge, so aking up their environment and can be either assertive or reserved, dependi ng on their emotional mood setting for any one moment. They express much emotion throught their eyes, which are often large and expressive. Their lips are usually rounded, full and sensual with a slight downturn at the corners. Cancer rising hair is often wispy, with a wave and brown/blond rather than dark. The men who go bald, here, do so from the middle of the head, rather than the receding hairlines you get with fire rising signs. The limbs are noticeably shorter with Cancer Ascendant types. Most of Cancer rising tend to a degree of fleshiness (some even 'big bear' types), but the later degrees of rising have many thin natives. One big giveaway for determining Cancer rising and that is the their "Oooohs" and "Ahhhss" and "Oo- oo-ooh!" when they discover something that really makes them happy!
Emotional development is the keyword in your evolution as a human being. You form powerful emotional attachments and tend to become rather dependant. There may be a particularly strong attachment to the mother or family. Learning to let go of old attachments will be an important challenge in your life. You have access to the whole spectrum of human emotions. You are very sensitive and easily hurt, yet at the same time you show a lot of concern for others. In intimate relationships you form strong bonds and tend to smother your partner, who may respond by demanding more maturity and independence in you. You force other people to create barriers against the tide of your emotions. It is important for you to learn to deal with rejection, as you are oversensitive in this area. Being a strongly emotional person, you also have access to the deep well of the unconscious, and this gives you considerable intuitive talent. |
| LEO | Proud and regal. Leo needs to develop a very keen sense of who they are and so they love big displays, and extravavagant gestures to show the world just how important and worthy they are. They need an audience to feel that they are somebody. They have great big hearts and are generous to a fault - but their failing is when they expect something in return, some sort of acknowledgement of what they have done. Paradoxically, it is when they stop looking for others to appreciate them that they receive the appreciation and love they really need. Leo rising usually exudes an air of confidence - even in their bodily structure this is manifested. They tend to be full of energy and very hardy characters. They are upright and erect, and probably wouldn't stoop on principle! They often have a ruddy complexion and the men often wear beards. As can be expected - look for that mane of unruly hair and you have a Leo rising and those deep set fire sign eyes. Natives here tend to speak in slow even manner - and do not like to be interrupted. A fixed sign, they can be incredibly stubborn (that Leo pride) and pull out of a situation if they feel they are not being appreciated or respected. More than for any other sign, honesty is a keyword - they are honest to a fault and expect the same from everyone else - or else!
You are extremely aware of yourself and the impression you make on others. The spotlight is on you, and this is reflected in a sense of drama about your life. Basically you are a warm-hearted person, endowed with a sense of humour and fun and with a natural ability to liven up any gathering. Your appetite for life inclines you towards activities which give you a solid sense of who you are. Creative pursuits, romance, and involvement with children are all important areas of interest. You are the kind of person people notice, even to the point of seeming self-centred. Nevertheless, many people will seek your company. In intimate long-term relationships you tend to evoke a certain emotional distance in the partner, who knows you too well to fall for your charming manner. By cultivating a more detached view of yourself, you gain greater intimacy with those close to you. |
| VIRGO | Earth, Mercury and mutability. These all add up to give Virgo. Virgo rising needs to analyse and use information constructively, for a purpose, something which can be of service to others. Eager to compartmentalise every piece of information they find, they dislike disorder and can be a compulsive nag in this respect - everything has to be in its proper place to best serve everyone's needs. Capable of juggling many issues and experts at resource management, Virgo rising needs to periodically clear out all that is no longer of use or of value to them. Holding on to negative issues for too long can poison their system - when they feel choked inside, it is not too long before the physical body comes out in sympathy. The issues between psyche (mind) and soma (body) are very real and connected for Virgo rising natives. Those born with Virgo on their eastern horizon are usually of average height. They are either of a slight, Mercurial build and long waisted or favour the more stocky disposition of Earth, with a shortened waist. Some late rising Virgos are tall - a trait of Mercury. Sometimes akin to a chipmunk look, Virgo rising can have straight or curly hair, depending on the strength of presence of Mercury or Earth, respectively. Observant Virgo tends not to leave too much to the imagination - they are very even-tempered and considerate in all things, yet have a very dispassionate air about themselves; very matter of factness about them.
One of your better qualities is your self-deprecating nature. You are often willing to put others first and are generally quite content to take on a low-profile role, in which you concentrate on getting everyday life to function smoothly for all concerned. You are both critical and self-critical, and may often feel that life is hard work - a never-ending stream of tasks waiting to be done. In contrast your partners seem to let things just flow along in a disorganised, even lazy manner. This is of course a natural consequence of your own over-diligent manner, in which you tend to take on the duties of others. You can learn a lot from partners by being content with, and accepting, things as they are. It can be a great satisfaction for you to develop greater health consciousness during the course of your life, as you have natural abilities as regards nutrition and the influence of thoughts and emotions on physical health. |
| LIBRA | These characters never act unless they have deliberated long and hard and make an assessment that is always fair to the situation in hand. Reflective judgment. The only porblem is that they often see the other side too well and from all sides, which means they are unable to take action that is appropriate and try and satisfy everyone. "People pleaser" is the term frequently used for this dynamic. They try so hard to please others because they can relate to their needs, that others see this as duplicity. If they do not act at all, then they are accused of being lazy. Life is never easy for Libra rising; yet push them to make a decision and you might easily find yourself regretting it! And when a decision is made, not only must it be right, it must be "beautiful" too. Relationships are so important to Libra rising who often feel they are only half a person when not in one. Very common with Libra rising is an evenly proportioned body and small features - ruled by Venus - what else? They are rarely ruffled and although they use their hands in conversation, they never stray too far from the body. Typically Libran rising is the low eyeline - almost halfway down the face. Mostly fine and straight hair, sometimes with a little hint of a wave, this sign of Venus has long curly eyelashes, a bow mouth and dimples, of course, with a classically straight nose. Libra rising can be remarkably direct but very diplomatically so.
Basically you are a friendly type of person, and you have a genuine and natural interest in other people. You probably come across as a sociable and charming person, and you have a special talent for creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Partnerships are everything for you, and you will seldom be alone in your life. You are willing to make many compromises to ensure that a relationship functions smoothly. Using your ability to see matters from another person's point of view, you can defuse conflict before it begins. However this tendency may be construed by others as a reluctance to confront important matters when they arise, and this in turn evokes a confrontational attitude in those who are close to you. You have a fine discriminating judgement - use this to discern when you should compromise, and when you should make a stand. |
| SCORPIO | Ouch. But who does this hurt most? Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, master of the underworld, of all things hidden, including buried treasure! Sometimes, though, it takes some digging to find it. In one form or another, Scorpio rising will confront forces which are dark, hidden, even taboo and possibly destructive. Pluto rules the subconscious, and Scorpio's co-ruler, Mars, represents the conscious self, the ego. Yet it is the subconscious which motivates Scorpio rising, and passionately so. It is important for these natives to get things out into the open, lest it festers within. It is then they find the resources to transform the lump of coal into the crystal jewel of truth and understanding which they seek. Expect many phases of transformation with Scorpio rising, some of them pleasant, some not so, a fixed sign, Scorpio tries to hold on to the past, even when it has long out worn its usefulness to them, this is where it hurts most - in letting go. Silent slinky Scorpio. These natives move from the pelvis area, with the upper torso almost motionless as they do so. They are often stocky with shortened limbs giving the appearance a weighty look. The Scorpio voice is one that can project - often soft and low pitched - but unmistakably husky and self assured. The early degrees of Scorpio rising have many thin types with narrow hips and long legs - very top weighted. Late degrees of Scorpio exhibit more even weightedness. There is always a "presence" about Scorpio rising - they are always noticed when entering a room.
You are an intense and rather secretive person, who believes in deep emotional involvement. You are powerfully motivated by the need for emotional security and you expend a lot of energy trying to maintain calm in this area. Being unable to control the emotional reactions of others, you have a tendency to be jealous and to engage in emotional brinkmanship. You lack emotional flexibility, see issues as black or white and tend to come with ultimata. Erotic intimacy is extremely important, and the litmus test of a good relationship for you is a satisfying sex-life. You will attract a calm and stable partner, who reassures you by becoming dependant on you. As inertia builds up in a relationship you often provoke intense emotional crises. You need to feel and explore every facet of the emotional spectrum from love to hate. Having enormous reserves of emotional power, you emanate a powerful aura and people are mysteriously strengthened simply by being close to you. |
| SAGITTARIUS | The seeker - I see a mountain - I climb the mountain - I see another mountain. Life is viewed as a challenge and a journey, and the thing this native likes most is the journey rather than getting there. Ruled by expansive Jupiter, you can expect Sagittarius rising to have many things on the go at one time - they busy themselves finding so much to do - they leave it for their Gemini cousins to fill in the details, th Sagittarius Ascendant simply loves the broad picture. Optimistic and somewhat inspired themselves, they love to encourage others too. They fire their arrows into the air, and where they land, they know not where; for them it is the pleasure in doing rather than the satisfaction of something done. The swan neck of the Zodiac. Sagittarius rising sports long lines, and no more so than that elegant neck of theirs. They also have very good leg development to carry them on all that exploration they engage upon. There are some very horsey types - even their laugh can be a little horselike too. This is accentuated by high cheekbones with little hollows beneath. The eyes are mostly almond shaped and deep set but with the lid showing at the both edges. T here are many tall and also stooped natives of Sagittarius rising, as well as the graceful swan types. The hands are likely to be very expressive in conversation - there is no one more ill at ease than this native when they do not know what to do with their hands!
You are powerfully motivated to understand your place in the world and the meaning of your existence. Your curiosity and need to explore your boundaries will lead you to travel considerably during the course of your life. If or when you prefer the settled life, then you will read, study and discuss to gain further insight into th e world. You are philosophically orientated, seeking depth and answers. In partnership matters you may often feel that your opinions are trivialised; conversely other people feel you take yourself to seriously. When you are bombastic and opinionated, other people compensate by being flippant or, in your eyes, superficial. An acceptance of the relativity and diversity of truth, and a certain self-deprecating humour, can make you easier to get on with. |
| CAPRICORN | Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, in mythology was a mean tyrant and the bringer of plenty both. The sons and daughters of Saturn may well live in his shadow, forced to do better and to obey at all times. This gets so internalised that Saturn rising become their own demon-on-the-shoulder who keeps digging in with "that's not good enough" "you can do better". Very self disciplined and self involved and controlled. They see the mountain that Sagittarius sees and they plan and plan about how to scale it - they make it their life's work. They get there in the end, but they do it their way and with little help from others. It is when they mature and mellow at the summit that they learn to relax and survey all that they have built up around them - it is then that they pour themselves to others like a fine wine. Serious and definite in their approach to life, they are the pointers of the rising signs - a definite downward ticking off of points in their speech. For the most part, these natives are thin and bony (Saturn rules the skeleton frame). They have flat cheeks, but often most prominent is the hunched up shoulders of Capricorn rising - hunched as if carrying a weight, or as if protecting the body. Large noses are a feature of Capricorn too, often with a big hook - and small angular teeth make up the rest of the charicature. Many of the men wear a goatee rather than a full beard.
You have a serious and reserved facade, and during your early years you developed the commitment and self-discipline to rise above many difficulties and obstacles in your family life. You carry a burden of high expectations and are often afflicted by gnawing doubts concerning your ability. You probably work too hard and give yourself too little time to express your emotions. Conversely you tend to attract the emotional type of partner who is looking for security and is attracted by your responsible and hard-working nature. Frustrated by your inhibited and formal nature, your partner will make many emotional demands. The more you soften up and trust your feelings, the more your partner will feel stabilised emotionally. The fewer burdens you take on, the less dependant your partner will be. |
| AQUARIUS | Very much an individual and ruled by Uranus, there is often an electric air about these natives. They are unpredictable too, yet this is down to a restless urge within to explore all possibilities, which they do with abandoned detachment at times. They find identity through finding their position in the vast realm of things rather than within any single defined structure. They see life within this sort of framework and give themsleves to exploring whatever THEY feel will contribute most to the welfare of the world at large - in a sense, this is where they get there own feeling of identity; it is a very unique sense of individuality. Idealistic in their pursuit of what they believe to be right, it does not matter the means of establishing the right that they so fervently believe in. Aquarius rising is often at the forefront of new technology and new ideas, and very much in tune with them. A very together look - the face of many Aquarians resemble those from classic sculpture - chiselled. Long body lines, clear cut angles and an upright manner. A clear complexion, almost porcelain in quality and usually straight fine hair balances it all off perfectly. Shoulder pads were MADE for Ms Aquarius rising and some ladies wear their hair high to accentuate their angular lines. Early degrees of Aquarius rising can be loud; although Ms Aquarius may have quite a rich singing voice too.
You may well have had an unusual upbringing which will have brought out the outsider in your nature. You are a friendly person, extremely curious about other people, yet you may often feel that you do not belong. You seek out groups to be with and are extremely loyal, but may be disappointed by your friends. It is difficult for you to understand that the bonds of friendship do not supersede those of family or marriage. In your own intimate relationships, partners find you friendly but cool and distant. You have very little personal ego, and have difficulty understanding what you see as other people's self-obsession. You are stubborn, particularly as regards your opinions. However you are an original and fascinating person. You can strike out on a unique course in life and pave a way into the future which can be an inspiring example for future generations. |
| PISCES | Sad sweet dreamer. Words that could easily be written for Pisces rising, ruled by nebulous Neptune, lord of the ocean deep. Neptune always longed for what he could not have and would send drought or flood if he did not get his way. In a similar way, the individual here sends floods or drought of feeling with their own associated longings and yearnings. Water always finds its own level - it seeps through all barriers over time. Pisces rising has few personal boundaries as such - they soak up even more than Cancer finds possible to do so; so much that they find themself lost on a sea of confusion, looking for someone to resuce them, or for someone they can rescue themselves. As can be expected, this is a very romantic and enchanted placement - often accompanied by a love of the glamourous, for example, Hollywood and all the glitter too. They love to see what they want to see, a very enchanted placement in the old sense of the word. Such devoted souls too. Pisces rising are rarely tall - they also tend to carry water on the body in a pear shape fasion. This shape is often repeated in specific areas of the body, such as the head - a narrow forehead widens to give a wideness below the eyeline. Some will appear flat down their back, but they will display a certain broadness. Pisces rising are often talkative characters and with emotion too. Common with these natives are the low set sticking out ears and double chin for the heavier ones - the Jupiter ear trait is one they share with Sagittarius rising. (Saturn ears are the opposite - very flat to the head).
You are something of a dreamer, and some unfortunate or unhappy experiences in your childhood will have evoked escapist tendencies in you. Conversely you are endowed with an extremely fertile imagination, and you manifest considerable empathy towards both those who are close to you, and complete strangers. You emanate a sensitive and vulnerable impression, but at the same time you display an understanding and acceptance which other people find very reassuring. If you can overcome your inner sense of loneliness and tendency to martyrdom you can truly help other people. You never dominate, and you have an uncanny ability to totally tune in to the feelings of other people. In relationships you often force your partner to take care of practical details, and friction can arise because you appear to let things slide. More effort and organisation on your part could reduce tension here. |